Blood Red Outram River declared unsafe for use

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is warning residents in Port Maria, St Mary, not to use the water from the Outram River until the river is flushed. NEPA said the water is not safe for consumption or household use.

The river turned a ‘blood red’ colour last month, and caused alarm among residents. But NEPA said the colour is due to the overgrowth of specific species of algae resulting in the phenomenon known as Red Tide.

The agency said it has been in dialogue with the St Mary Municipal Corporation which has indicated that over the coming days, the berm at the mouth of the river will be partially opened to allow for the controlled release of water from the area, and the flushing of the river.